In the western area, one of the biggest essentials for families and businesses is mobile connectivity and home internet, but according to peak communications consumer body, Australian Communications Consumer Action Network (ACCAN), few people are actively checking the market for a better deal.To better understand the way customer’s experience these services, ACCAN has developed the ACCAN Consumer Sentiment Tracker.The recurring national survey provides an insight into consumer use, attitudes and the experiences of users.It captures key insights into: How important mobile and home internet access is to Australians What factors matter most when choosing a provider Levels of trust and satisfaction with current services How often people are switching providers Consumer satisfaction with how complaints are handled While Telstra remains the leading choice for phone service in western NSW due largely to coverage and accessibility in rural and remote areas, followed by Optus, then Vodaphone, Telstra still has around 40.9% of the home Internet accounts for the area.But some users across the region say it is simply a matter of finding the most reliable service, cost aside.“We were with Telstra for years, but service was patchy, and it was difficult to get a technician to our remote property,” said a western area farmer.“It’s ridiculous to be paying for services we are not receiving. "We need to have a service we can rely on, not only for our business, but for safety, as we go about our day-to-day farming activities, home schooling or driving between properties.“Accidents happen, and we need to know we have a service that will be there when we need it. "We did some research and joined up with Starlink which has been a gamechanger,” he said. “It makes sense to do the research to get the best product for you.”Member for Barwon Roy Butler - Image Mr Butler."It's essential to review your mobile phone and home plan annually to ensure you're getting the best deal,” said Member for Barwon Roy Butler.“When you set and forget home internet and mobile phone plans, often the better products are offered to new customers, and long-term customers end up subsidising new customers. “Connectivity is even more important in remote parts of the state, where access to emergency services can mean the difference between life and death,” said Mr Butler.Ellem family of Tottenham - Image L Ellem.Lyndel Ellem of Tottenham says that while they are not dependent on high-speed internet for school or work, basic internet is working okay for them, but in terms of mobile services these appear to be getting worse rather than better.“With every ‘improved’ service 3G, 4G 5G, our coverage has only become worse. Less coverage and less reliable. “We have had to buy our own hardware to marginally improve our service. “As people give up the cost of their landline connections (because they have reliable mobile services) we continue to pay monthly for our landline, so we have some kind of reliable connection in an emergency,” said Mrs Ellem. “It will be very helpful if ACCAN listens to consumers to see where communication products are working and where they are not."A Western area business owner said it is imperative they have the most reliable source of communication to keep up to date in their business and any research into this can only be a good thing.“We cannot afford to have a service that is not 100% reliable as otherwise we lose money and customers, so it really matters to us that we have the best possible option.“We have tried a few different services and finally settled on one, which we are happy with. We are not concerned with cost at this point as we just need a service that we can rely on,” she said.ACCAN CEO Carol Bennett - Image ACCAN.ACCAN CEO Carol Bennett said the Consumer Sentiment Tracker will become a vital tool for discovering what Australians really think about the communications market with recent results already highlighting big issues.  “We hear directly from consumers every day about the pressures they’re facing. This research helps us back those stories with data, and we will use it to drive change in the sector,” Ms Bennett said.  “Already, we’ve learned that almost 9 in ten Australians need constant home internet access and three in four Australians say they need constant or near-constant mobile internet access.”  “At the same time, only 27% of consumers are searching the market for a better plan each year, and only 10% follow through and change their mobile provider. That tells us it needs to be easier for consumers to compare the market.”  “In a market where real competition is limited, we need better tools and safeguards—like a concessional broadband product and an independent, trusted comparison tool to help people find fairer deals.”  “With the ACCAN Consumer Sentiment Tracker, we have another tool to inform our policy solutions to government, regulators and industry on practical changes that make communications fairer, more affordable, accessible and reliable for everyone,” Ms Bennett concluded. The research suite – Consumer Sentiment Tracker, July 2025, is now available on the ACCAN website. 

The recently created North West Circuit court is getting a new Magistrate from 13 October 2025. The North West Circuit was established in March 2025, and includes Coonamble, Bourke, Brewarrina, Walgett and Lightning Ridge."The new North West Circuit was established to create a full time Circuit in the area, and to appoint a Magistrate to this Circuit who would live in the area and become familiar with the local communities," Local Court of NSW Chief Magistrate Judge Michael Allen said.  The court was temporarily being presided over by Magistrate Margaret Quinn and Magistrate Fiona Toose. Magistrate Quinn will continue to cover weeks 2 and 4 of the North West circuit, and Magistrate Fiona Toose will cover week 1 and 3, until the new Magistrate Shawn Mortimer starts in October. Walgett has the most sitting days in the monthly rotation with seven, followed by Bourke with five days. Coonamble has three sitting days.Magistrate Mortimer will preside over each local court, which lists over 100 criminal cases in a sitting week, including matters involving domestic violence and children.  Magistrate Mortimer was admitted as a solicitor in 2007, and began his career as a junior criminal defence lawyer with the Aboriginal Legal Service in Dubbo in 2008.In 2013 he was awarded Specialist Accreditation in Criminal Law by the Law Society of NSW. Between 2022 and 2024, he was Principal Solicitor of Criminal Practice for the ALS's criminal law services for New South Wales. Chief Magistrate Judge Michael Allen called for expressions of interest from all Magistrates for appointment to the North West Circuit. Magistrate Mortimer was selected from a number of Magistrates who expressed interest, because of his extensive experience working in legal practice in western and south-western NSW. He has been appointed for a minimum of two years in the role. The Department of Communities and Justice advised that the Local Court frequently reviews sitting arrangements to ensure the efficient allocation of resources. Coonamble has been moved from the Gunnedah Circuit to the North West Circuit, since its creation in March. No other changes have been made to the Circuit.

 The Country Women's Association Branch in Walgett has celebrated its centenary anniversary this year. While the actual centenary took place on 13 June, Walgett's social calendar was so booked out that the celebration event didn't happen until 5 July 2025. The President of the NSW CWA Tanya Jolly, State Secretary Bronwyn Dunstan, the CWA of NSW Treasurer Ruth Cargill, and Federal MP for Parkes Jamie Chaffey all attended the morning tea in the CWA Walgett tearooms.Members from neighbouring branches in Come by Chance, Carinda and Coonamble joined the celebrations.The branch's longest serving member Mrs. Jill Friend, who joined in 1957, unveiled a plaque on a rock in the refurbished gardens at the CWA rooms to celebrate the centenary."We got a grant from the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal a few years ago and we'd been looking for a centrepiece," explained Walgett CWA Secretary Christine Ford."The rock was donated by a local gentleman who carts gravel here."Walgett CWA President Judy Campbell and Jill Friend CWA Gardens [IMAGE: Supplied]Walgett CWA President Judy Campbell and Jill Friend unveiling the centenary plaque. [IMAGE: Supplied]“This is such a special occasion for the Walgett branch and it’s something all of us as members celebrate,” said Ms Jolly. “We marked 100 years of the CWA of NSW in 2022, and since then so many of our branches have passed that milestone as well. "It’s an ongoing reminder of how far the association has come, and also the fact it remains as important and relevant today as it was when it was first established as an influential voice for rural and regional NSW communities. “Congratulations to the Walgett branch and its members for this achievement and for all they’ve contributed to the association over the past 100 years.”Longtime CWA Walgett branch member Coleen Edgar said the centenary was a testament to the grit of country women. "I think it's an acknowledgement of what a group of dedicated women can achieve. Because for any organisation to celebrate 100 years is a big deal.CWA NSW President Tanya Jolly and CWA Walgett President Judy Campbell cutting into the centenary cake made by Linda Schmetzer and Wendy Azevedo. [IMAGE: Supplied] "CWA has over 8000 members in NSW, we're one of the biggest political voices for women in Australia, and we focus on the wellbeing of the whole community."The crowd also looked through a slideshow that celebrated past members and events from the CWA Walgett. One member Mrs. T Holcombe complied a book of all the past office bearers for the Walgett CWA.  The first President of the Walgett CWA was Mrs. H E Colless, the first secretary was Mrs. R Rittchie and the first treasurer Mrs. Thomas. There have been a total of thirty-four Presidents of the since the first election in 1926. Ironically, the message has changed very little in all that time. "When it started in 1922, they were looking at roads, education and health for rural women, and we're still looking at roads, education and health," said Ms Edgar. They've also published a cookbook called '100 Recipes for 100 Years.' It's full of classic well-tested recipes, some of which are handwritten, plus quotes, an historic rainfall chart for the Walgett district and more. Coleen has contributed several of her own recipes to the book, including her scone recipe and homemade mascarpone cheese recipe. "One of the best things about the cookbook is finding recipes from older members or members who have passed on the back of envelopes and notecards. They were photocopied, and we put them all into the book. "It was a very human touch."  So what's next for Walgett CWA? Secretary Christine Ford, said planning is underway for CWA Flower Show in September. "The Anglican Church previously ran it, but they ran out of volunteers last year so we organised it in conjunction with them," explained Mrs Ford. "This year we go it alone as the CWA Flower Show. "We feed the community, they can buy takeaways or come and have a sit down meal with us. "That's our biggest fundraiser for the year."The Walgett CWA branch says they would like to acknowledge Mrs. Judy Campbell President and Mrs. Christine Ford Secretary for their contribution to the organisation and for ensuring the celebration ran smoothly.  Here's to 100 more years!

Yesterday (Wednesday 16 July), ambulance crews got on the scene just after 2:30pm to respond to an incident at Oxley, west of Coonamble.The Westpac Rescue Helicopter was tasked by NSW Ambulance to transport a person injured in an accident.A boy in in his teens was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics and the helicopter’s critical care medical team for arm injuries before being transported to Dubbo Base Hospital.A police spokesperson advised they could not comment on the potential causes of the crash at this point in time.No further details are available.

Access to dental care remains a major concern for communities across the Western Plains where many towns have no resident dentist or struggle to retain long-term practitioners.A recent $37.5 million investment from the NSW Government into the state’s Mobile Dental Van Program brings high hopes the situation will improve.The Australian Dental Association NSW (ADA NSW) described the funding as “a vital step toward improving access to oral healthcare for regional, remote, and underserved communities.”“For many patients in rural and remote areas, government-funded mobile dental vans can be the only practical option for accessing regular, affordable and timely dental care,” Dr Dominic Aouad,President of ADA NSW said.“This funding will go a long way to expanding those services and keeping them sustainable as demand continues to grow.”A fragile network of local servicesDubbo-based dentist Dr Sophie Halpin, who is Chair of the ADA NSW Western Division, said the dental vans are particularly important in the smaller towns west of her practice.“In a larger regional centre like Dubbo, there's still certainly capacity for dental vans to function,” she said.“But really, they come into their own in smaller rural communities where there isn’t a dentist close by.”Dr Halpin said towns like Coonamble, Brewarrina and Bourke have long struggled with dentist shortages.“There are some towns that have had long-standing dental practices that may have been staffed by the same dentist, or a few different dentists over time,” she said.“But anecdotally, I would say it’s becoming more difficult to staff small rural practices."Coonamble is probably a good example."There was a very long-term dentist there, but since he retired and moved from town, there have been multiple dentists come after him, but there hasn’t been great retention.”Continuity of care at riskThe result, Dr Halpin said, is fractured care.“Sometimes the clinic is partially staffed, so there’ll be someone there for a time, then nobody, then someone again,” she said.“It’s quite difficult to establish continuity of care, and it’s particularly difficult for people who are in need of episodic or emergency care.”Dubbo dentist, Dr Sophie Halpin said mobile dentistry vans would help fill the gap that exists for oral health access across the Western Plains.“You may formulate a treatment plan with one dentist, but then find that changes mean that plan isn’t carried out."That lack of consistency makes it hard for patients to know where they stand.”“It’s very tricky being a solo dentist in a small regional town."The professional isolation, limited support, and personal challenges make long-term staffing difficult.”Taking dentistry mobileThe new funding is expected to help address this by expanding the availability of mobile dental vans.These vans provide check-ups, preventative care and essential dental treatment to patients who might otherwise go without.“There are some clinics that are periodically staffed, and there is some federal funding through schemes like the Children’s Dental Benefit Schedule or Veterans Affairs,” Dr Halpin said.“But having something that’s more accessible to more people in their community will be really important.“That’s why the vans play such a key role."They can go where dentists can’t always stay.”Dr Aouad reinforced the broader benefits of better dental access.“Oral health is not separate from overall health," he said."Preventive dental care and early intervention help reduce avoidable hospitalisations, support better nutrition, and contribute to managing chronic conditions like diabetes.”The ADA NSW welcomed the government’s acknowledgment that dental care must be part of the broader healthcare system, especially for high-risk groups such as First Nations people anddisadvantaged children. “This latest funding is an investment that will improve the oral health of thousands of patients in regional and remote areas of the state,” Dr Aouad said.While no regions to receive this mobile service are yet to be confirmed, it’s hoped communities across the Western Plains will have access.“The expansion of the Mobile Dental Van Program is a welcome move toward closing the gap in essential health care, bringing dentistry closer to home for those who need it most,” Dr Halpin said.

A new piano at Cobar Library is becoming a much talked about feature in the town.The arrival of the restored piano is an unexpected bonus sprouting from the popular ABCTV's 'Piano' program, with help from artist and composer Yantra de Vilder.A highly respected artist, classically trained pianist and composer based in Sydney Yantra de Vilder installs pianos in public places for the community to play.She has been working with the TV program to get pianos into places where communities can come together and play music. ''I believe accessible music and colour in the streets plays a major role in our recovery in these unprecedented times, as we are being challenged to reassess our sense of belonging as a collective and diverse society," Yantra said.''We want in each location pianos, local musicians, choirs and artists. "Together they create totally unique free outdoor performances, inspired by the land and people, the love of pianos and making music together. "At the heart of this project is music recycling and the importance of gifting, restoring and reinventing unwanted pianos.'' she said.A concert with one of the 20 restored Pianos in Sydney's Darling Harbour. [IMAGE SUPPLIED]Twenty pianos have already been donated and delivered throughout NSW and Victoria thanks to the ABC TV Piano Project.‘’I wanted to take this to the take grass roots and further west and into the open spaces of the bush instead of just the cities, that’s why Cobar was an ideal choice," Yantra said.‘’What’s better than people singing around the piano?’’Cobar Library’s Jane Siermans said she was thrilled when she knew a piano was coming.‘’I don’t know who nominated us for this Piano but it's absolutely magic.’’You can see the story about Yantra's work on ABC iView - note that you may need to login.She admits not seeing the nomination but is excited to hear fingers tickling the ivories of the first public piano out west.‘’The community is coming into the Library already to play it and while I have never played, we have a local expert who is my go to."Judy Toomey is helping us and is a font of wisdom in the arts world.’’Cobar's piano was donated by a Nyngan local who had watched the TV show. Jane says it was rescued from the devasting floods in 1990, restored and is now as good as new.The program has been a success in bringing music to the people in other regional towns and the signs are good in Cobar.‘’People are taking notice," Ms Siermans said."We have it in our area outside of the main library and those who are reading books and other things aren’t interrupted, actually they are being entertained.’’ The Piano will be officially launched with a Cobar community event on Sunday 27 July.

NSW Department of Primary Industries inspectors, praised for their rapid response to thousands of fish killed on Lake Cargelligo last week, have confirmed the reasons for the deaths in a statement to the Western Plains App.''NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) Fisheries is aware of a fish kill affecting Bony Herring at Lake Cargelligo last week."DPIRD Fisheries staff attended the site on 8 July in line with the fish kill protocol and estimated that thousands of Bony Herring have been affected."Bony Herring can become stressed or die when water temperatures drop – this is known as ‘winter die off’."DPIRD Fisheries staff have confirmed that this is the suspected cause of this fish kill event."Reacting to the Department's statement, local resident and aquatic ecologist Adam Kerezsy said ''There is no real surprise (about their findings) but when lake levels were lowered to 50 per cent it also effected the tiny native species of 10-20cm.''In June this year, WaterNSW began lowering Lake Cargelligo to 50 per cent capacity for the next phase of a major embankment upgrade project that began in 2023.WaterNSW said at the time they would continue to supply stock and domestic replenishment flows from Lake Cargelligo.Water levels were gradually reduced to 50 per cent and are expected to be maintained at 50 per cent until the end of September 2025. Any excess flow above downstream demand will be captured in nearby Lake Brewster to minimise water loss.Dr Kerezsy who lives by the Lake said he will continue to do some further personal research on the fish kill.Barwon MP Roy Butler visited the Lake on July 8 and Water NSW and Department of Primary Industries inspectors took samples of water.WaterNSW encourages community members to report any further fish deaths or observations through the Fishers Watch hotline on 1800 043 536.For more information on fish kills, visit their website. 

The trucking industry is urging New South Wales to follow South Australia’s lead in overhauling licence requirements for drivers of Australia’s biggest trucks.South Australia recently introduced a supervised MC (Multi-Combination) Licence Program for drivers wanting to operate B-doubles, A-doubles, road trains and quads. The program replaces the previous 12-month waiting period after holding a heavy rigid (HR) or heavy combination (HC) licence. Recognition of overseas truck driving experience has also been scrapped, except for drivers from New Zealand.Industry leaders say their priority is improving safety on the roads and ensuring all MC drivers are properly trained in Australia’s unique conditions.Australian Trucking Association Chair Mark Parry said the current system doesn’t go far enough to prepare drivers for handling multi-trailer vehicles, which are common on remote highways.“The MC class covers trucks with widely different handling characteristics. A driver trained on a B-double may not be able to handle a longer road train safely,” Mr Parry said.“The major crash rate for triple road trains is almost 2.5 times higher than the rate for B-doubles.”A program like South Australia’s ensures drivers get real-world experience under supervision before going solo.In the Western Plains, road trains are essential for transporting livestock, grain, equipment and supplies across vast distances between the region. With freight demand growing, triple trailer combinations, such as B-triples and AB-triples, are becoming increasingly common on approved routes throughout western NSW. This increase in size and complexity has heightened the need for stricter safety standards and driver training programs to ensure operators can manage the unique handling challenges of these longer vehicles on remote and often unforgiving roads.Local transport operators say the changes could mean safer roads but also potential challenges for filling seasonal driver shortages.“Keeping our roads safe is non-negotiable,” said one Trangie trucking operator."These trucks are massive, and drivers need to be ready for the conditions out here."But he says the industry is already under pressure. “There aren’t enough of us to cover the busy seasons. "If it takes longer to bring new drivers through, that could mean fewer trucks on the road when farmers need us most. "We also need a plan to keep freight moving.”Another truckie from the Narromine Shire says different rules in different states are a worry. “We see drivers crossing from SA into NSW all the time," he said. "It makes sense to have the same standards everywhere. But we also need to make sure it doesn’t bring the industry to a halt.”IMAGE: ATAThe Australian Livestock and Rural Transporters Association has thrown its support behind the SA model, calling it “practical, inclusive and safety-focused.”Gerard Johnson, the association’s president, said rolling out the model nationwide would ensure all drivers, regardless of background, are trained for the realities of Australian roads.Transport ministers have agreed in-principle to long-term reforms for heavy vehicle licensing, but these are expected to take several years.Local truck drivers say the proposed changes make sense, provided they don’t come at the cost of productivity. Many agree that more supervised training will make roads safer for all, but warn any delays in licensing new drivers could leave operators struggling to meet demand during peak seasons.

Walgett's new netball courts are set to open by Spring after the concrete slab was poured in June. The courts behind the town's PCYC building are nearly completed, with the acrylic surface and line markings now in place. A Walgett Shire Council spokesperson said three-tiered grandstands were delivered last week and will be installed shortly. "To finalise the grant funding requirements, a new toilet block will be installed; however, the existing amenities will remain available in the meantime," the spokesperson said. "Some minor fencing work also remains. A new car park is planned for later in the year, but this will not impact use of the facility. We’re currently working towards a grand opening event and will confirm dates as soon as they are locked in. "The funding body’s project timeline is completion by October. "While we’re confident in the progress so far, we generally avoid committing to fixed dates to allow for any unexpected delays or issues that may arise. "We'll continue to keep everyone updated." Construction for the Jenny Wright Netball Netball Courts. IMAGE: Walgett Shire CouncilThe council secured $1 million in 2022 from the NSW government to convert the courts into a facility able to host netball, tennis and futsal. Once completed, the town will have two netball sites including the courts at the Walgett Sporting Club. The netball area had been dirt before the upgrade, which Walgett Netball Netball Association president Tara Schiller said was "a bit of an eye sore." "They look amazing and it's a massive asset to our town because there's so much that we can do," she said. "Football and netball carnivals are held together, so it'll be very convenient to have it all in one spot."

There are cautious hopes for change for our region's most vulnerable children, after the New South Wales Government's 2025-26 budget set aside a landmark $1.2 billion for a Child Protection Package. Part of the package, will be a $191.5 million investment to recruit more than 200 new caseworkers and retain 2,126 caseworkers with higher pay and more specialised training, including 100 new leading caseworker roles.  In Western New South Wales, recruitment and retention of caseworkers is particularly difficult. Several towns in Western NSW face persistent understaffing issues, including Brewarrina, Nyngan, Coonamble and Bourke. There are 246 caseworkers in the Western NSW district, out of a total of 279 funded positions. This means 33 of these positions (or 12 per cent) are vacant. The Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) advised that Walgett and Coonamble are both staffed with full-time caseworkers, however due to the nature of their work and the vastness of the region, they often have to travel and are not always present in the office. While the statewide caseworker vacancies have decreased by seven per cent, problems persist with retention. Members of the Public Service Association (PSA) union recently accepted a new caseworker award, looking to increase workers' pay by three per cent and give overtime provisions so that staff are no longer forfeiting hours. The next pay period after 1 July 2025, will see a salary transition for caseworkers. But will the increased pay be enough to attract caseworkers to Western NSW? Regional Organiser from the PSA Tom Hopper says while the pay increase will make the salary competitive, more support is needed to recruit workers to Western NSW. "The uplift for new workers has made the job competitive again in terms of salary however there needs to be incentives to entice people away from the city the same way that police and teachers do," he said. "Staff turnover is very high in Western NSW given there are very few supports in place for new caseworkers. "Community Services owns properties in a number of town in Western NSW but refuse to utilise them to make it more attractive for staff. "In Walgett the house they own has fallen into disrepair and cannot now be lived in without major renovations," he said.Tom Hopper. [IMAGE: The Daily Telegraph]While specific data on Western NSW isn't available, statewide the DCJ estimates 80 per cent of new caseworkers leave within two years of being on the job. Ultimately the staff shortage has an impact on vulnerable children. Between January and March 2025, in the Western, Far West, and Murrumbidgee areas of NSW, a total of 15, 787 children were considered at significant risk of harm, but only 2, 844 (or 18 per cent total) were seen by a caseworker. DCJ is actively trying to recruit staff in Bourke, Brewarrina, Cobar, Condobolin, Coonabarabran, Coonamble, Nyngan and Walgett.

There's concern within Western Plains communities about how changes to the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits 2025–26 will affect people with a disability living in rural, regional and remote areas. NDIS pricing changes from 1 July 2025 will include:Travel claims cut by 50 per centPhysiotherapy rates dropping by $10 an hour, from $193.99 to $183.99Podiatry and dietetics rates dropping by $5 an hour from $193.99 to $188.99Local providers say the reductions will make it harder to deliver services to the people who need them most. Rachel Kerin, physiotherapist and Director of Kerin Health, says the changes were made without any consultation to providers.Kerin Health is an overall provider based in Parkes which provides outreach in the form of physiotherapy, speech pathology, occupational therapy to places in Central West and Western NSW, including Narromine and Condobolin. Rachel said providers with Kerin health travel an average of two hours a day to see clients, and the 50 per cent reduction in claimable travel allowance is having a big impact. "We've already had occupational therapists and speech pathologists from Dubbo and Orange pull out of providing services," she said. "We have had therapists from Sydney who used to fly-in pull out."Rachel Kerin. [IMAGE: Kerin Health]. Already, the reduction has made things unviable for some businesses, but Rachel says Kerin Health will continue to service small rural and regional towns. Federal MP for Parkes Jamie Chaffey attended a roundtable hosted by Marathon Health, which included seven NDIS service providers from Western NSW, who all expressed concern about the changes to the transport arrangements. “It was distressing to hear the catastrophic impact these changes could mean for people who rely on these services to help them in their everyday lives,” said Mr Chaffey. "Providers told me this change could mean providing services to people in hard-to-reach places could simply be impossible. "People with health challenges in remote areas already face many more hurdles than those in metropolitan areas. This is yet another blow, and one that could mean the end to some in-home services. "We have called on the Minister for Disability and the NDIS for a three-month moratorium of these changes to allow consultation and planning." Rachel has advocated for a special rural travel allowance because of the affects the change has had on small towns in rural and remote areas, but the NDIS has implemented travel claims as a blanket rule. "If people can't access the support they need, it puts a further strain on the health system, on emergency departments, and on schools," said Rachel. "The Government will undoubtedly see the negative impact of this decision, and how it disproportionately affects rural NDIS participants and the provision of their healthcare."

Brodie Carmichael and the Aussie Freestyle Motocross team are coming to Warren to show off some of their epic tricks tomorrow, Tuesday 15 July. They'll be performing a full freestyle motocross demonstration with an Australian competition ramp, and talking to the crowd about the importance of mental health. Carmichael says the topic is one that is close to his heart and he likes to support activities that a promote health and wellbeing for country people. The visit is part of Guiding Rural Outback Wellbeing (GROW) program, hosted by the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS), which aims to reduce the gap between metropolitan healthcare versus rural and regional healthcare.Program Co-Ordinator and Community Engagement Officer Luke Braund, says the event is aimed at starting conversation around mental health, drug and alcohol education, and connecting services to communities. "Before GROW day started individual services were holding their own days, and RFDS came up with the idea for a collective day for all services to come out," he explained. "Now everyone can provide their services and chats."A previous GROW Day. [IMAGE: Royal Flying Doctor Service]. People within the community will be able to access to health and wellbeing advice, resources, and referrals at GROW. There'll be over 25 registered services on the day, including Marathon Health, Hear Our Heart ear bus project, Barnados, and NSW Health. Brodie Carmichael and the Aussie FMX team will be working with mental health professionals from the RFDS to discuss simple ways we can ensure our mental health and wellbeing.Brodie Carmichael signing autographs. [IMAGE: Aussie FMX]. Carmichael said he is passionate about educating young people and inspiring them to find follow their goals. "Young people are the future of the country. I want every kid in Australia to find their dream and passion, and go after it." Growing up on a farm near the small town of Drake in Northern NSW, Carmichael said he witnessed firsthand the effects of drug and alcohol abuse on young people. "I grew up in a small town, and I had a close group of friends, and some of them were really talented, but they went down the wrong path," he said "They weren't bad people. I think if they had the proper influences, they would have a different outcome." He says his passion for motocross was a major motivator in his life, and kept him away from drugs and alcohol. "I was really lucky because one of my friends took me to freestyle motocross live, and I was so far from them in skill level it wasn't even funny," he said. "But I had a couple of people who told me, if you work hard you can really achieve it. So I had that passion which motivated me and kept me on the right track. "I truly think if everyone did followed their passion the world would be a better place."  There'll also be lots of school holiday fun, a BBQ, footy and laser tag. GROW is on at Victoria Park, Udora Road in Warren tomorrow and attendance is free.

A teenage boy will face court today following an investigation into the use of unregistered motorcycles on public roads in Coonamble.About 3:30pm yesterday (Sunday 13 July 2025), police attended a premises in King Street, Coonamble where a teenage boy was located allegedly hiding in a roof cavity.During a subsequent search, officers attached to Orana Mid-Western Police District located a small amount of Methylamphetamine in the boy’s underwear.A Honda CRF450 motorcycle was also seized.The 15-year-old boy was charged withuse unregistered, registrable vehicle Class A on roaduse uninsured motor vehicle on roadrider without helmet ride with one passenger without helmetnever licensed person drive vehicle on roaddrive recklessly/furiously or speed/manner dangerouspossess prohibited drug andbreach of bail.He was refused bail to appear before a Children’s Court today, Monday 14 July 2025.

The Lake Cargelligo’s sewerage treatment plant will get a $3million makeover with the NSW Government announcing an allocation in the 2025-26 Budget to restore vital water and sewer infrastructure to flood-affected towns.The devastating flood which struck communities across the central west in 2022 caused significant damage to council-managed water and sewer pipelines.The funding is part of the recovery program and plans to reconfigure infrastructure to be more flood-resilient.Lachlan's shire deputy mayor Megan Mortimer said ''Lake Cargelligo’s sewerage treatment works were overwhelmed during the 2022 floods and suffered significant damage."We could never do this without this funding."It will allow the works to be repaired and enhanced, improving durability for the residents for Lake Cargelligo and reducing pollution risk to the adjacent Lachlan River. ''Ms Mortimer said her community is grateful.IMAGE: Lachlan Shire Council NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin in Parkes said she had seen some of the damaged infrastructure first-hand.“Reliable water and sewer services are things people in the cities often take for granted," Minister Saffin said."Our regional communities shouldn’t be left worse off after disasters. Today this starts to get fixed." Barwon MP Roy Butler said it was timely funding for Lake Cargelligo."Regional communities have long faced underinvestment in this vital infrastructure. In many areas, sewerage and domestic water systems are outdated, risking residents' liveability, while sewerage treatment has often caused disputes between councils and the EPA.“I am very pleased to see this investment in our regions, and I will continue working with the NSW Government on this crucial infrastructure." Other key projects announced include:$22.9 million to rebuild the Lake Endeavour pipeline in Parkes Shire$300,000 to Cabonne Shire Council for repairs to damaged sewer pumping stations $300,000 to Central Tablelands Water for repairs to water services in EugowraThe Minister said these investments are part of the NSW Government’s ongoing commitment to climate resilience, disaster recovery and stronger infrastructure across regional NSW.The funding follows close collaboration between the NSW Government and flood-affected councils, local water authorities and local stakeholders and responds to community advocacy for long-overdue infrastructure support.

Recent news from NSW Government’s Heritage Grant Program has seen $487,825 worth of funding awarded to fourteen sites or heritage programs aimed at conserving local history and upgrading and preserving historical sites in the western area.The funds help to preserve, promote and realise the value of heritage of items and historic places, while creating awareness of the value of heritage in both cultural understanding and local economies. In the western plains, some groups are able put grants towards protecting specific sites and making them more accessible to the public, while councils are assisted to identify heritage assets, provide expert advice and distribute small grants to help owners of historic buildings and sites repair and maintain them.This year projects will take place across a multitude of western area towns and Member for Barwon Roy Butler is thrilled about this for each community.“I am delighted to announce the Barwon recipients of the NSW Government's Heritage Grants Program and look forward to their progress and completion,” said Mr Butler.The recipients are:Giru Ngurra (Warm Home), Warren Macquarie Local Aboriginal Land Council.All Saints Anglican Church Condobolin Lachlan Shire.2025 - 2027, The Heart of NSW - Local Heritage Funding - Lachlan Shire.Updated Local Heritage Study and Nyngan Town Hall Action Plan – Bogan Shire Council.Council Heritage Services - Bourke Shire Council.Old Towers Drug Co building in Bourke.Brewarrina Heritage Advisory Service - Brewarrina Shire CouncilGilgandra Local Heritage Initiatives Gilgandra Shire CouncilSmall Heritage Grants Program 2025-2027 - Walgett Shire CouncilSmall Heritage Grants and Heritage Advisor Program - Warrumbungle Shire Council.Coonamble Heritage Reflections - Coonamble Shire Council.“We were very pleased to have been allocated some Heritage Grant funding after our application earlier this year,” said Derek Francis General Manager Bogan Shire Council.Bogan Shire Council General Manager Derek Francis - Image Angie White.“At our November meeting council considered a report from me on the condition of the Nyngan Town Hall as well as a Notice of Motion from Councillor Emily Stanton that we apply for the grant to do an updated Heritage Study of the Bogan Shire LGA.“This study will build on an earlier study (2012) to identify, conserve, promote and celebrate heritage within the LGA and will involve community consultation.“The Nyngan Town Hall is a very important community asset but in 2023 Council closed the Hall on discovery of damage to parts of the ceiling caused by a roof leak.“Council engaged a structural engineer to carry out a comprehensive inspection, and the report received prompted a discussion with the NSW Public Works Heritage Section and asking them to develop a Heritage Asset Action Plan to guide the repair and preservation of the Nyngan Town Hall, whereby BSC is providing 50% of the total cost of the plans,” said Mr Francis.Beemunnel Reserve Aboriginal Place - Image Warren Shire Council.Senior Project Officer for Warren Local Aboriginal Land Council, Fleur Magick Dennis was successful in obtaining an $80,000 grant from Heritage NSW towards the Beemunnel Reserve Aboriginal Place."Culturally our Country, our home, our Ngurra, our special places require respectful visitation from the people who belong to Country,” said Ms Dennis. "The visitation keeps our place "warm", keeps our place spiritually well. “Giru Ngurra (Warm Home) project is the upgrade of the pedestrian pathways at the Beemunnel Reserve Aboriginal Place from the current gravel to an asphalt surface. "This will allow for better access for wheelchairs, walking frames, mobility scooters and emergency services. It will increase access and safety for visitors to our special place,” said Ms Dennis.The Beemunnel Reserve Aboriginal Place is a highly significant place for Aboriginal people of Warren and surrounding region. “Historically, Aboriginal people lived at the site, gave birth at the site, created carved trees & ceremonial places and buried our loved ones,” said Ms Dennis.“In contemporary times the Beemunnel Reserve Aboriginal Place is used by our local & regional Aboriginal community for special community events such as NAIDOC, for cultural gatherings and workshops, for cultural projects, for ceremonies and for continuation of our cultural practices.”The Beemunnel Reserve Aboriginal Place is also visited extensively by the non-Aboriginal community by both domestic and international visitors for cultural education, cultural tourism and recreation. “The increasing visitation to the reserve by both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal visitors since the introduction of the pathway and interpretive signage is a positive for our community and our Country.Uncle George Riley, Chairperson of Warren Local Aboriginal Land Council and volunteer caretaker of the Beemunnel - Image WLALC.Uncle George Riley, Chairperson of Warren Local Aboriginal Land Council and volunteer caretaker of the Beemunnel for over two decades commented "It feels terrific to get the funding to upgrade the pathway because the Beemunnel means everything to me and my family."

A recent eSafety report has shone a spotlight on high rates of exposure to online harm amongst children 10-15 years old after a survey of 2,629 children.The report titled ‘Digital use and risk: Online platform engagement among children aged 10 to 15’, is the latest in eSafety’s ongoing series of reports presenting findings from its Keeping Kids Safe Online survey.Frightening statistics give parents and authority figures cause for concern with almost 3 in 4 children (74%) having seen or heard content associated with harm online at some point, while 1 in 2 has been cyber bullied.According to the report 96 per cent of children in this age demographic had used at least one social media platform, and a majority had used a communication platform to chat, message, call or video call others (94%), with 7 out of 10 saying they had been exposed to harmful content.Almost 3 in 4 children (74%) having seen or heard content associated with harm online.Such things as cyberbullying, violent videos, image-based abuse, hateful material, dangerous online challenges and messages promoting disordered eating and even suicide were witnessed by those taking part in the study.A disturbing 1 in 7 told of online grooming from adults or children up to four years older than them.Social media was the most common platform where children reported recently encountering most online harms, and many children experienced harm on communication and gaming platforms.Trans and gender-diverse children faced a higher level of problems across the board, while girls were more likely to be cyberbullied and to experience non-consensual tracking, monitoring or harassment.Western area Psychologist and School Counsellor Astrid Linke said this problem is becoming more apparent in young people."We’re seeing more and more young people impacted by the harmful content they’re exposed to online—often before they have the emotional maturity to process it. "These platforms are shaping their sense of self, relationships, and mental health in ways that can be damaging. There’s a real urgency for stronger protections, more open conversations at school and at home, and education that empowers kids to navigate the digital world safely," said Ms Linke.Social media is the most common platform for harm to children.“It’s a worry isn't it, but social media is here to stay unfortunately,” says one western area teacher and mother of four teenagers.“I think the best thing we can do is to help our kids and students understand what they might come across.“I’ve thought about using parental controls more, but they can be tricky, and I think could potentially backfire.“We have a strict policy of no phones in bedrooms, but that is as far as we go.“Communication is the key as it is with all things, encouraging open conversations so that they are comfortable coming to you if they’re unsure about something and of course setting a good example and modelling how to treat themselves and others with respect, this should hopefully have a flow on to their online world,” she said.‘This is a real worry for parents” said a western area father of two teenagers.“Kids are so computer literate that they know how to do everything and are easily able to log onto sites and do all types of things. Add to that the new AI technology and kids are at risk of being harmed in ways we never imagined.“Country kids are just as at risk, with a lot of time on their hands in some areas with not much for kids to do.Keeping kids busy and off social media one way of keeping them safe.“We try to keep our kids involved in lots of sports and activities, so they have less time to go online because of their busy schedules.“Keeping lines of communication open and being vigilant with screen time are other things we do to keep our kids safe,” he said.The eSafety Commissioner website has resources for children to log onto for help or advice in situations that may arise.The website has a dedicated First Nations section and welcomes children asking for help.Parents are encouraged to log into the Parent section for advice and tips to keep kids safe.

Mention native vegetation management and many jaws tighten, as landholders brace for a new round of rules and regulations that could impact their activities.The NSW government’s proposed amendments to the Land Management (Native Vegetation) Code 2018 aim to improve environmental outcomes on private rural land.While these changes promise long-term benefits for the environment, they also bring potential challenges for farmers and landholders.The government's consultation on the changes began on 6 June and the opportunity to comment through their website was recently extended to 1 August. The amendments could lead to long-term sustainability by improving land health and enhancing farming productivity in the future.The latest changes also promise clearer guidelines, to make it easier for farmers to comply with regulations and avoid confusion.A stronger focus on management of invasive species may help protect crops and reduce the spread of harmful pests, while larger set-aside areas for native vegetation could benefit farming through better biodiversity and natural pollination.“The proposed amendments to the Land Management Code are refinements of existing settings to ensure that the land management framework maintains the right balance between agricultural production and environmental protection," said a Local Land Services spokesperson.However, there are concerns.The requirement for larger set-aside areas risks reducing the amount of arable land available for farming activities, constraining farmers looking to expand or optimise their land use.The implementation of the new rules may also bring added costs, requiring farmers to invest in new practices or undergo additional monitoring.Adjusting to the changes could be difficult, especially for farmers who have been following the existing rules for years.A local Tottenham farmer expressed frustration with the lack of clarity in the draft Native Vegetation Management Plan."The language and structure of the document are not accessible to the average landholder, making it challenging to fully understand the practical implications for land use and management”, he commented."This lack of clarity, combined with what appears to be an overly regulatory approach, raises serious concerns about how it may limit opportunities to improve land productivity while continuing to care for the environment.”The amendments are part of the broader NSW Plan for Nature, a government initiative released in 2024 that builds on the reviews of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 and the Local Land Services Act 2013.The plan outlines a series of steps to protect biodiversity and improve land management practices across the state, with the amended Code playing a key role in this transition.However, landholders argue that they are dedicated to preserving the land and these changes risk undermining the very practices that have kept the land sustainable."When did farmers become the enemy and why are we treated as though we have no care for the future of our land?," asked one western plains farmer."We have been here for six generations; my family has cared for the land and handed it down to each generation with a love and passion for Australia and farming.”While the changes are designed to protect the environment, those likely to be most affected say there is an absence of clear, accessible communication from the government about the changes and are calling for face to face information sessions."What's most concerning is the limited and inadequate consultation process," another farmer said."It's extremely difficult for landholders to provide thoughtful constructive feedback when there has been so little meaningful engagement."Farmers who spoke to the Western Plains App say they are left struggling to understand how these amendments will directly affect them, and without the chance for a proper two-way conversation, feel their voices are being overlooked.The public consultation is open online until 1 August for farmers and the wider community to give their opinions on the proposed amendments.To read the discussion paper and provide feedback on the proposed amendments click here.

Nyngan’s Benjamin Loiacono says he was surprised and honoured by his nomination and becoming a finalist for the Emergency Service Rotary NSW Community Service Awards.He serves as a Paramedic and Station Officer at Nyngan Station for NSW Ambulance.Over more than 23 years in emergency services, Ben has held critical roles including Zone Manager and Duty Operations Manager, excelling in clinical oversight, mentoring, and staff welfare.His nominator said he is widely respected for his exemplary leadership, commitment to community care, and tireless service. They said Ben consistently goes above and beyond, offering operational support and peer assistance even during personal time. He notably sacrificed leave to support colleagues after the sudden passing of a fellow paramedic in a remote town—an act emblematic of his selfless dedication.“It's challenging and rewarding and sometimes in critical situations we have to bring dedicated RFS and Police to assist us over my nine years here, everything is community connecting and working together.," Ben told the Western Plains App. Beyond his official duties, Ben contributes extensively to the Nyngan community as a volunteer with the RFS and a board member of the local RSL.‘’I stress to RFS volunteers coming through it's all about our community and giving back and so rewarding. "I have been a volunteer for 23 years for RFS and I love being involved.’‘’The RSL is again another way of being part of this tight knit community and the club is central for the town," he said.Benjamin’s nomination says 'His innovations, such as staff recognition and leadership development initiatives, have improved service culture and staff morale across the Central and Far West Zone. 'Ben embodies compassion, resilience, and quiet leadership. 'His unwavering service— even in multiple uniforms—is a source of inspiration to colleagues and the broader community alike. 'For his extraordinary commitment and impact, Benjamin Loiacono is a deserving nominee for this award.'He has a partner in Nyngan and five dogs."They can keep you busy," he joked.There are four finalists in the Ambulance section of the awards, Natalie Boyd from Taree, Phi Hoey from Southern NSW, Simone Sutherland from Manildra along with Benjamin Loiacano.Award sections include NSW Fire and Rescue, Rural Fire Service , NSW Surf Lifesaving, Volunteer Rescue and NSW Ambulance.Winners for each service, plus two special overall winners, and the young volunteer winner, will be announced at an Awards presentation on Saturday 2 August 2025 at Bankstown Sports Club. The overall winners for NSW will then represent the State at the National Awards to be held in October at Government House, Yarralumla, hosted by our Governor General, Her Excellency Samantha Joy Mostyn AC.

Gone are the days of pacing at the front gate, peering down a dusty road wondering where the school bus has got to. Parents across the Western Plains, from Coonamble to Walgett and everywhere in between can now track their child’s school bus in real-time, thanks to a major technological leap in NSW’s regional transport system.The Transport Connected Bus (TCB) Program, now fully rolled out, has fitted all 3,010 contracted buses operating in rural and regional NSW with real-time GPS tracking and automatic passenger counting technology. This includes buses servicing the Western Plains, where travelers often face long distances and unpredictable conditions.The upgrade allows passengers to see exactly where their bus is, when it will arrive, and how full it is, all from their smartphone.Passengers can now:Track their bus in real-time using apps like Opal Travel or the Transport for NSW Trip PlannerAccess interactive maps, timetables, and live service updatesView how full their bus is before it arrivesPlan smoother journeys with more accurate arrival and capacity informationThe system brings rural and regional areas in line with Greater Sydney and Outer Metropolitan regions, providing equal access to the same smart technology city commuters have used for years.There's no excuse for running late with real time bus movements available to all.The program was rolled out in three phases, starting in July 2020.Phase 1 introduced real-time tracking to services in Bega, Dubbo and Coffs Harbour.Phase 2 followed in September 2022, expanding to 14 regional areas including Albury, Bathurst, Griffith, Orange, Tamworth, and Wagga Wagga.Phase 3 completed in April 2025, connecting a further 1,738 buses and 1,937 regular and school services across rural and regional NSW.In total, the system now supports more than 3,880 routes and 316,000 kilometres of daily bus travel. The TCB Program involved collaboration with 451 contracted bus operators, ranging from large fleet companies to small, family-run businesses — and was completed ahead of schedule.As well as benefiting passengers, the technology gives Transport for NSW and bus operators new tools to manage services, improve scheduling, and keep buses running on time.It was even used successfully during ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred to promptly cancel services on the NSW North Coast, ensuring passenger safety.Minister for Roads and Regional Transport Jenny Aitchison said the upgrade was about ensuring regional areas were not left behind.“As someone who represents a regional community, I know how frustrating it is for regional commuters and public transport users who feel left behind when it comes to accessing real-time data," she said.IMAGE: facebook"No matter where you live in NSW, you deserve the same quality public transport experience."“With more than 40 million regional bus journeys every year, every passenger deserves a smooth, reliable trip."These upgrades eliminate the guesswork, now you'll know exactly where your bus is and when it will arrive.”Minister Aitchison says the government is committed to equipping regional areas with the same world-class transport technology as the biggest cities.To plan your next journey or track a bus in real time, visit transportnsw.info/trip or download a public transport app from transportnsw.info/apps.